Torrens University wins International award for virtual design studio

The real-world experience of a working fashion studio has been meticulously designed into a new extended reality (XR) Virtual Design Studio. This allows students to experience activities that typically occur in real-world environments.

Eoghan Hogan, Director of Product Innovation at Torrens University, said the Catalyst Awards program recognises innovation and excellence to support student success in the global education community.

“At Torrens University Australia we have a commitment to deliver immersive, authentic, industry-based learning, and we are also passionately committed to exceeding the possibilities of classroom learning through digital innovation,” said Mr Hogan.

“Winning this award, in a field that included universities like John Hopkins University and Texas Tech University, is recognition of this commitment and of the incredible talent of our staff who are taking the student experience to a new level.”

An immersive educational experience

The Virtual Fashion Studio was launched in May this year and allows Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia’s Branded Fashion Design students to immerse themselves in an XR environment and engage in a variety of interactive scenarios and demonstrations covering sewing and garment construction, as well as an introduction to different tools, equipment, and machinery.

Fashion Program Director Russell Ponting, Billy Blue College of Design said that embedding technological innovation in pedagogy is important as students enter an increasingly networked and virtual world.

“The COVID pandemic has accelerated digital innovation in the fashion industry, and it is now common to hear talk of digital fashion, virtual catwalks, collaborations between fashion and gaming companies, and customised avatars so bringing that innovation into the classroom is vital,” he said.

“Technological innovation like our Virtual Fashion Studio allows students to engage in a greater range of experiences and gives them more flexibility to interact with their course and with their classmates, extending the notion of shared knowledge beyond the confines of a traditional classroom.”

Designing the future of learning

Paul Brafield, Vice President Global and Digital Enterprise said the Virtual Fashion Studio was just one example of how Torrens University was designing the future of learning.

“The tertiary education sector is changing, and the trajectory towards the future has been accelerated by COVID-19. We are committed to designing the future of learning, so our students are empowered and equipped to navigate an increasingly complex and changing world of work,” said Mr Brafield.

“The Virtual Design Studio uses immersive learning technology to extend learning beyond physical borders, advances students’ digital literacy and competitive advantage in contemporary workplaces and gives students agency over their learning.”

About the Catalyst Awards

Founded in 2005, the annual Catalyst Awards recognize and honor innovation and excellence in the Anthology global community of practice, where millions of educators and learners work every day to redefine what is possible when leveraging technology. Winners are selected by a cross-functional team of Anthology experts and represent the very best in their field. The Catalyst Awards were expanded when Anthology and Blackboard combined in 2021.